The Salvation Army of Pine Bluff celebrated National Donut Day on Friday with a heart of gratitude to the first responders of the recent flooding in Jefferson County, Arkansas. With 50 dozen donuts from Lybrands in hand, emergency disaster response teams delivered the sweet snacks to the Officer of Emergency Management, the 911 Call Center, police department, fire department, and local armed forces deployed to the area.

“These agencies and service organizations have worked so hard during this disaster, [The Salvation Army] wanted to show our appreciation for their service and support during this time of need in Jefferson County,” said Captain David Leonard, corps officer for The Salvation Army of Pine Bluff.

National Donut Day was first celebrated by The Salvation Army in 1938 as a way to raise funds during the Great Depression, commemorating the work of the “donut lassies” who served American troops on the front lines during World War I. The Salvation Army continues to recognize this national celebration as a way to reminder to the public that The Salvation Army is available to meet any needs that an individual or family may have.